Greece wants €35m minimum for TV broadcast licence

Greece is looking to raise at least €245 million for the 7 national broadcasting licences on offer in an auction by the Greek state.

The highly controversial starting price has been set by the country’s National Council of Radio & Television (ESR). Many local commentators say that it is doubtful whether there are enough candidates willing to start bidding at €35 million.

The licences themselves are national and are for Free-To-Air transmission.

The licensing process has been something of a nightmare. An auction in 2016 was ruled invalid and cancelled. Initially just 4 licences were to be offered, but that decision was overruled by the non-government ESR in a decision endorsed by Greece’s Council of State.